Potential Super League Opposition

Frustration. But a potential game against Super League Widnes Vikings is on the cards.

Coventry Bears suffered the frustration of a second postponed home game on Sunday when their fourth round Challenge Cup tie against amateur opponents Pilkington Recs was called off due to bad weather.

However, this meant that both teams were still in the draw for the Tuesday evening’s fifth round draw where the enticing prospect of a match against a Super League club beckoned.

And that is exactly what the winners of the tie rearranged for this Sunday have drawn.

They will play Widnes Vikings, the Cheshire based club at their Select Security Stadium. Widnes have a long and proud history, and have won the Challenge Cup on seven occasions, although the most recent of those was in 1984.

They joined Super League in 2012, but have rarely been in the top half of the table, but they will provide a great experience for the Coventry Bears…..

That is of course if they beat Pilkington Recs on Sunday 25th March, at the Butts Park Arena in a game which replaces the planned fixture against West Wales Raiders.

Coach Tom Tsang is keen that his squad remain focused on this game against a very strong National Conference side who are the last from outside the three pro leagues to remain in the competition.

Added to this is that the Pilks will relish a game against a top side just nine miles away from St Helens where they are based.

The Bears therefore have two games to rearrange, having also had their league fixture against York also snowed off.

This is providing a headache for Bears CEO Alan Robinson, but the possibility of playing Super League opposition in a competitive game is an exciting prospect for all connected with the club.

Next Match: Sunday 25th March 3pm Butts Park Arena v Pilkington Recs, Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Round Four. Click here to purchase your tickets - please note memberships are not valid for this game